Enhanced fishing lure

ABSTRACT

An enhanced fishing lure is disclosed for attaching a bait to a fishing line, comprising a lure head having a front aperture for enabling the fishing line to extend therethrough. The lure head has an insert cavity communicating with the front aperture. A lure insert comprises an insert portion with a first and a second panel extending from the lure head and the lure insert, respectively. At least one locking pin is secured to one of the first and second first and second panels for cooperating with at least one locking aperture defined in the other of the first and second panels. A restrainer is secured to the lure insert for restraining the movement of the fishing line relative thereto. The locking pin extends through the bait for restraining the movement of the bait relative thereto. The lure insert is insertable within the insert cavity of the lure head with the fishing line extending through the front aperture of the lure head and with the locking aperture cooperating with the locking pin for interlocking the lure insert to the lure head.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of United States Patent application Ser.No. 890,811 filed Jun. 1, 1992 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,895. All subjectmatter set forth in application Ser. No. 890,811 is hereby incorporatedby reference into the present application as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to fishing and more particularly to an improvedfishing lure for use with natural or artificial bait.

2. Background of the Invention

Various types of fishing lures have been provided by the prior art tosports fishermen. In general, fishing lures may be classified asartificial bait fishing lures and natural bait fishing lures. In anartificial bait fishing lure, the fishing lure provides the totalattraction for a fish and simulates the motion, action, sound andappearance of a natural bait. In a natural bait fishing lure, thefishing lure enhances the motion, action, sound and appearance of anatural bait. In the event that the natural bait is dead, the naturalbait fishing lure again provides the motion, action and sound of thenatural bait in a manner similar to the artificial bait fishing lure.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,017,333 to Zuck discloses a lure with live bait impalingmeans by which the bait is retained on the lure to permit casting ortrolling.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,196,376 to Anderson discloses a means which may bemanually gripped for easily inserting an impaling member into the bait,such as a minnow or other small fish.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,848,836 to Dodd discloses a bait harness that is adaptedto facilitate connection and disconnection of the bait to a harness.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,415,004 to Whalen discloses a live bait harness having aband embracing the body of the live bait comprising two one-piece wiremechanisms one of which is fastened to a band and the other of which isa spreader mechanism for holding a pair of fishhooks spaced apart onopposite sides of the live bait.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,645,031 to Egles discloses a trolling rig for baitfishing having a substantially frustoconical-shaped cap to receive thehead of the bait fish. A fish locking pin extends through the openingsand the head of the fish for securing the fish to the cap.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,135 to Martin discloses a fishing lure adapted tohold live, dead and artificial bait and includes a cup having an openend and a closed end for holding a first portion of a bait therein.Anchors extend from the open end of the cup into a portion of the bait.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,132 to Ellis et al discloses a protector forcovering the front face of a "plug-cut herring" to maintain the frontface of the plug at a predetermined angle. The protector is a cap havinga planar face and a cylindrical wall adapted to extend rearwardly alongthe sides of the herring when the inside surface of the cap member abutsthe front face of the herring.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,771 to Robinson discloses a bait holding minnow-typebait having a ring within which the head of the bait has a wedged fitand which is held in position by engagement of a pair of hooks at freeends of a pair of parallel arms extending aft from the ring.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,751 to Francklyn discloses an adjustablebait-receiving fishing lure for use in receiving baits. Thebait-receiving lure includes a top section and bottom section thatcooperatively engage the upper and lower forward portions of a bait.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,023 to Ryder et al discloses a fishing lure for usewith dead bait fish including a cover having a cavity having projectingbarbs for insertion of the head of the bait fish. The cover can beopened to received the head of the bait fish and can be closed to anchorthe fish head within the articulated cover.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,154 to Andreetti discloses a trolling rig intendedfor use with ballyhoo. The trolling rig has a conical cap that resemblesthe head of a ballyhoo with a leader being attached to the leading edgeof the cap. A second leader is attached to a rear lower edge of theconical cap and a hook is connected thereto.

In my prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,895, I disclosed an improved fishinglure for attaching a bait to a fishing line that overcame thedifficulties encountered by the prior art. It is a primary object ofthis invention to further improve upon my prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,595by providing an enhanced fishing lure capable of being used with a widevariety of natural and artificial baits.

Another object of this invention is to provide an enhanced fishing lurefor attaching a bait to a fishing line wherein locking pins extendsthrough an orifice in an artificial bait.

Another object of this invention is to provide an enhanced fishing lurefor attaching a bait to a fishing line that permits the rapid additionof bait or the rapid removal of bait from the fishing lure.

Another object of this invention is to provide an enhanced fishing lurefor attaching a bait to a fishing line that may be specifically adaptedfor artificial bait or the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide an enhanced fishing lurefor attaching of a bait to a fishing line that permits the adjusting theposition of a hook disposed at a termination end of the fishing linerelative to the bait.

Another object of this invention is to provide an enhanced fishing lurefor attaching a bait to a fishing line including fin means forstabilizing the movement of the fish lure through the water withoutundesirable spinning.

Another object of this invention is to provide an enhanced fishing lurefor attaching a bait to a fishing line that is substantially weedless.

Another object of this invention is to provide an enhanced fishing lurefor attaching a bait to a fishing line that increases the action of thebait as well as the visibility of the bait within the water.

Another object of this invention is to provide an enhanced fishing lurefor attaching a bait to a fishing line having an action plate forproviding improved action for the fishing lure.

Another object of this invention is to provide an enhanced fishing lurefor attaching a bait to a fishing line having an action plate forenabling the fishing lure to be skipped over weed beads.

Another object of this invention is to provide an enhanced fishing lurefor attaching a bait to a fishing line having an action plate forproviding an enhanced acoustical output of the fishing lure.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of thepresent invention. These objects should be construed as being merelyillustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications ofthe invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applyingthe disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the inventionwith in the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a fullunderstanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary ofthe invention, the detailed description describing the preferredembodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by theclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is defined by the appended claims with specificembodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose ofsummarizing the invention, the invention an enhanced fishing lure forattaching a bait to a fishing line, comprising a lure head having afront aperture for enabling the fishing line to extend therethrough. Thelure head has an insert cavity communicating with the front aperture. Alure insert comprises an insert portion with a first and a second panelextending from the lure head and the lure insert, respectively. Lockingpin means is secured to one of the first and second panels forcooperating with locking aperture means defined in the other of thefirst and second panels. Restraining means is secured to the lure insertfor restraining the movement of the fishing line relative thereto. Thelocking pin means extends through the bait for restraining the movementof the bait relative thereto. The lure insert is insertable within theinsert cavity of the lure head with the fishing line extending throughthe front aperture of the lure head and with the locking aperture meanscooperating with the locking pin means for interlocking the lure insertto the lure head.

The locking pin means extends through the bait and is partially receivedwithin the locking aperture means for restraining the movement of thebait relative thereto. Preferably, at least one of the first and secondpanels being resilient for enabling the introduction and removal of thelocking pin means within the locking aperture means to permit theaddition and removal of the bait from the fishing lure. The insertcavity is defined for slidably receiving the insert portion of the lureinsert therein.

In one embodiment, the first panel extends from a first side surface ofthe lure head and the second panel is aligned with a second side surfaceof the lure head. In another embodiment of the invention, the firstpanel extends from one of the top and bottom of the lure head and thesecond panel is aligned with the other the top and bottom of the lurehead. A relief is defined in at least one of the lure head and the lureinsert for receiving a head portion of the bait or for receiving a snapfor affixing a fishing hook to the fishing line.

The restraining means comprises means for adjusting the position of ahook disposed at a termination end of the fishing line relative to thebait. Preferably, the restraining means includes a slot extendingthrough the lure insert for enabling the fishing line to extendtherethrough with means for restricting the movement of the fishing linerelative to the slot.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fishing line includes a beadleader comprising a plurality of beads interconnected by a plurality ofinterconnecting wires. The restraining means includes a slot extendingthrough the lure insert for enabling the interconnecting wires to extendtherethrough. A plurality of depressions are defined in the lure insertalong the slot for receiving the plurality of beads therein to restrictthe movement of the bead leader relative to the slot.

Preferably, the lure head comprises a tapered front portion disposedabout the front aperture for facilitating the movement of the fishinglure through the water. Fin means extend from the lure head forstabilizing the movement of the fish lure through the water. An optionalaction plate extends from the lure head for enabling the fishing lure tobe skipped over weed beads. The action plate provides an enhancedacoustical output of the fishing lure.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent andimportant features of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription that follows may be better understood so that the presentcontribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additionalfeatures of the invention will be described hereinafter which form thesubject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the conception and the specificembodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifyingor designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of thepresent invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in theart that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit andscope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be made to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a bait fish secured to a conventional wireleader using a prior art system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of an improved fishinglure comprising a lure head and a lure insert incorporating the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line 6--6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line 7--7 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8--8 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the lure insert of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the lure insert of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a top view partially in section of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a right side view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a left side view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational of the improved fishing lure of FIG. 3with the improved fishing lure being in an unassembled condition;

FIG. 15 is a top view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational similar to FIG. 14 with the improvedfishing lure being in a partially assembled condition;

FIG. 17 is a top view of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 14 with the improvedfishing lure being in an assembled condition;

FIG. 19 is a top view of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a first step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.3-13 to a bait fish illustrating the insertion of a retrieving catchthrough the bait fish;

FIG. 21 is a second step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.3-13 to the bait fish illustrating the coupling of the retrieving catchwith a bead leader having a fishing hook;

FIG. 22 is a third step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.3-13 to the bait fish illustrating the drawing of the bead leaderthrough the bait fish and the passing of the bead leader through a frontaperture in the improved fishing lure;

FIG. 23 is a fourth step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.3-13 to the bait fish illustrating the impaling of the bait fish by theimproved fishing lure;

FIG. 24 is a fifth step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.3-13 to the bait fish illustrating the assembly of the improved fishinglure for affixing of the improved fishing lure to the bead leader;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of an enhancedfishing lure comprising a lure head and a lure insert incorporating thepresent invention;

FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a rear elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a right side elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a sectional view along line 29--29 in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a sectional view along line 30--30 in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a sectional view along line 31--31 in FIG. 26;

FIG. 32 is a front elevational view of the lure insert of FIG. 25;

FIG. 33 is a rear elevational view of the lure insert of FIG. 25;

FIG. 34 is a right side view partially in section of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a top view of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a bottom view of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a side elevational of the enhanced fishing lure of FIG. 25 inan unassembled condition;

FIG. 38 is a top view of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the enhanced fishing lure of FIG.25 in a partially assembled condition;

FIG. 40 is a top view of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of the enhanced fishing lure of FIG.25 in an assembled condition;

FIG. 42 is a top view of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a sectional view along line 43--43 in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is an exploded isometric view of the enhanced fishing lure ofFIG. 25 with an artificial bait and a fishing hook positioned in a firstmanner;

FIG. 45 is an assembled isometric view of the enhanced fishing lure ofFIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is an exploded isometric view of the enhanced fishing lure ofFIG. 25 with an artificial bait and a fishing hook positioned in asecond manner; and

FIG. 47 is an assembled isometric view of the enhanced fishing lure ofFIG. 46.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate top and side views of a bait fish 10 secured toa conventional wire leader 12 using a prior art system. In this example,the bait fish 10 is shown as a ballyhoo or balao weighing betweenone-quarter pound and one-half pound. This prior art system is widelyused for securing the ballyhoo or other bait fish 10 to the wire leader12 for trolling for smaller predator fish as well as large game fishsuch as marlin, sailfish and the like.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a fishing hook 14 inserted through the baitfish 10 with a point 14A of the fishing hook 14 extending from aposterior portion 16 of the bait fish 10. An eye 14B (not shown) of thefishing hook 14 is connected to the wire leader 12. A securing wire 17is fastened to the eye 14B (not shown) of the fishing hook 14 and iswrapped around the bait fish 10 for securing the bait fish 10 to thewire leader 12.

Although the prior art system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is widely used fortrolling bait fish 10, the prior art has developed other varied methodsof securing a bait fish 10 to a wire leader 12. Examples of the otherdifferent and distinct methods for securing the bait fish 10 to the wireleader 12 are disclosed in numerous fishing publications.

FIG. 3 is an isometric disassembled view of a first embodiment of animproved fishing lure 20 having a lure head 21 and a lure insert 22.FIGS. 4-8 illustrate various views of the lure head 21. The lure head 21comprises a generally truncated pyramidal shape defined by a first and asecond head sidewall 31 and 32 and a top head wall 33 and a bottom headwall 34. The generally truncated pyramidal shape provides a taperedfront portion for facilitating the movement of the improved fish lure 20through the water. The first and second head sidewalls 32 and the topand bottom head walls 33 and 34 have first and second head interiorsurfaces 31A and 32A and top and bottom head interior surfaces 33A and34A defining an insert cavity 36 within the lure head 21. A frontaperture 38 in the lure head 21 communicates with the insert cavity 36.

The first head sidewall 31 includes a rearwardly extending first panel40 having a locking aperture 42 defined therein. An optional first eyeindicia (not shown) may be disposed about the locking aperture 42 forsimulating an eye of the bait fish 10. The first head sidewall 31 issubstantially thicker than the second head sidewall 32 and the top andbottom head walls 33 and 34. A generally U-shape head relief 46 isdefined in the first head sidewall 31 whereas a generally V-shapedcut-out 48 is defined in the second head sidewall 32.

Preferably, the lure head 21 includes a stabilizing fin 50 having afront fin portion 51 and a rear fin portion 52. The front fin portion 51is established to be substantially horizontal to the direction ofmovement of the lure head 21 when the lure head 21 is pulled through thewater. The rear fin portion 52 is angled downwardly for providingstabilization to the improved fishing lure 20 during trolling.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate various views of the lure insert 22. The lureinsert 22 comprises a partially pyramidal shaped insert portion 60having a first and a second insert sidewall 61 and 62 and a top insertwall 63 and a bottom insert wall 64. The first and second insertsidewall 62 and the top and bottom insert walls 63 and 64 areestablished at an angle for closely engaging the first and second headsidewalls 31 and 32 and the top and bottom head walls 33 and 34,respectively, of the lure head 21 when the lure insert 22 is fullydisposed within the insert cavity 36. The first insert sidewall 61includes an insert slot 70 extending from a front insert wall 65 of thelure insert 22 to an insert relief 78 defined in the first insertsidewall 61. A plurality of depressions including a first, second and athird depression 71-73 are intermittently defined in the first insertsidewall 61 with a first separating wall 74 interposed between the firstand the second depressions 71 and 72 and with a second separating wall76 interposed between the second and the third depressions 72 and 73.The first, second and the third depressions 71-73 and the first andsecond separating walls 74 and 76 comprise a restraining means forrestraining the movement of a leader relative to the improved fishinglure 20 as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

The second insert sidewall 62 comprises a second panel 80 having agenerally V-shaped projection 82 for matingly engaging with the V-shapedcut-out 48 of the second head sidewall 32 when the lure insert 22 isdisposed within the lure head 21. A locking pin 90 having a proximal anddistal end 92 has the proximal end 91 thereof secured to the secondpanel 80. The distal end 92 of the locking pin 90 includes a lockingportion 94 having a reduced diameter for insertion within the lockingaperture 42 of the first panel 40 when the lure insert 22 is disposedwithin the lure head 21. An optional second eye indicia (not shown) maybe disposed about the locking pin 90 for simulating an eye of the baitfish 10.

Preferably, the lure head 21 and the lure insert 22 are each formed as aunitary member of a molded polymeric material. The first and secondpanels 40 and 80 are slightly flexible for enabling the locking portion94 to be inserted and removed from the locking aperture 42 by deflectingeither the first and/or the second panels 40 and 80.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the lure head 21 and the lure insert 22 beingin an unassembled position. FIG. 5 is a top view of FIG. 14 illustratingthe relative positions of the first and second panels 40 and 80 and thelocking pin 90.

FIG. 16 is a side view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating the lure insert22 being partially disposed within the internal cavity of the lure head21. FIG. 17 is a top view of FIG. 16. The insert portion 60 of the lureinsert 22 is slidably received within the insert cavity 36 of the lurehead 21.

FIG. 18 is a side view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating the completeinsertion of the lure insert 22 within the lure head 21 and with thelock portion of the locking pin 90 being received within the lockingaperture 42 of the first panel 40. FIG. 19 is a top view of FIG. 18.Engagement of the locking portion 94 within the locking aperture 42 ofthe first panel 40 interlocks the lure insert 22 within the lure head21. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theinsertion of the locking portion 94 within the locking aperture 42 ofthe first panel 40 has been accomplished by an outward deflection ofFIG. 19 of either the first and/or the second panel 40 and 80.

FIG. 20 illustrates a first step of securing the improved fishing lure20 to the bait fish 10. A retrieving catch 98 is inserted into the mouthof the bait fish 10 and forced through the bait fish 10 to exit from theposterior portion 16.

FIG. 21 illustrates a second step of securing the improved fishing lure20 to the bait fish 10 wherein the retrieving catch 98 is coupled to abead 100 having a fishing hook 14. The bead leader 100 is ofconventional design having a plurality of beads 102 interconnected by aplurality of interconnecting wires 104.

FIG. 22 illustrates a third step of securing the improved fishing lure20 to the bait fish 10. The bead leader 100 is drawn through the baitfish 10 by withdrawing the retrieving catch 98. The retrieving catch 98is withdrawn from the bait fish 10 to position the point 14A of the hook14 in the desired location. A fishing line 106 is passed through thefront aperture 38 of the lure head 21 and is secured to the bead leader100. In the alternative, the hook 14 may be rotated one hundred andeighty degrees in FIG. 22 such that the point 14A of the hook 14 isembedded in the bait fish 10. When the hook 14 is embedded in the baitfish 10, the bait is substantially weedless.

FIG. 23 illustrates a fourth step of securing the improved fishing lure20 to the bait fish 10. The locking pin 90 is impaled through an eyesocket 10A of one side of the bait fish 10 and is passed through theopposed eye socket 10A on the other side of the bait fish 10 to extendtherefrom. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theeye sockets 10A of the bait fish 10 is surrounded by a skeletonstructure. The locking pin 90 impaled through the eye sockets 10A of thebait fish 10 is disposed within this skeleton structure for providing aneffective attachment of the improved fishing lure 20 to the bait fish10. The locking portion 94 is smaller in diameter than the locking pin90 and approximates a point for the locking pin 90 to facilitate theimpaling of the locking pin 90 through the eye socket 10A of the baitfish 10.

FIG. 23 further illustrates selected beads 102 of the bead leader 100being inserted into the first, second and third depressions 71-73. Theinterconnecting wires 104 extend through the first and second separatingwalls 74 and 76 to attach the bead leader 100 relative to the lureinsert 22. The first and second separating walls 74 and 76 insure thatthe position of the bead leader 100 is fixed relative to the lure insert22. In addition, the proper selection of the beads 102 inserted into thefirst, second and third depressions 71-73 enables the proper positioningof the fishing hook 14 relative to the lure insert 22 and relative tothe bait fish 10. Preferably, the locking pin 90 is located on thesecond extending wall to position the bill 19 of the bait fish 10 withinthe insert relief 78 as shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 24 illustrates a fourth step of securing the improved fishing lure20 to the bait fish 10. The lure insert 22 is moved into the insertcavity 36. The bill 19 of the bait fish 10 is received within the headrelief 46. Since the bill 19 of the bait fish 10 is received within thehead relief 46, the degradation of natural bait due to trolling waterentering the mouth of the fish commonly referred to as "bait washout" isessentially eliminated. The first head interior surface 31A of the firsthead sidewall engages the first insert sidewall 61 to retain theselected beads 102 of the bead leader 100 within the first, second andthird depressions 71-73. The first panel 40 is deflected outwardly by anoperator as indicated by the arrow for enabling the locking portion 94of the locking pin 90 to be aligned with the locking aperture 42. Uponrelease of the deflection of the first panel 40 by the operator, thefirst panel 40 returns to a non-deflected position to receive thelocking portion 94 within the locking aperture 42 as shown in FIG. 24.The locking portion 94 disposed within the locking aperture 42 preventsthe removal of the lure insert 22 from the lure head 21. The bait fish10 is retained between the first and second panels 40 and 80.

FIG. 25 is an isometric disassembled view of a second embodiment of anenhanced fishing lure 220 having a lure head 221 and a lure insert 222.FIGS. 26-31 illustrate various views of the lure head 221. The lure head221 comprises a generally truncated pyramidal shape defined by a firstand a second head sidewall 231 and 232 and a top head wall 233 and abottom head wall 234. The generally truncated pyramidal shape provides atapered front portion terminating in a front surface 235 forfacilitating the movement of the improved fish lure 220 through thewater. The first and second head sidewalls 231 and 232 and the top andbottom head walls 233 and 234 have first and second head interiorsurfaces 231A and 232A and top and bottom head interior surfaces 233Aand 234A defining an insert cavity 236 within the lure head 221. A frontaperture 238 in the lure head 221 communicates with the insert cavity236. Optional eye indicia shown as eye 239 may be disposed on the firstand second head sidewalls 232 for simulating eyes of the enhancedfishing lure 220.

The top wall 233 includes a rearwardly extending first panel 240 havinga first and a second locking aperture 242A and 242B defined therein. Asbest shown in FIG. 31, the top wall 233 is substantially thicker thanthe bottom wall 234 and the first and second sidewalls 231 and 232. Agenerally V-shaped cut-out 248 is defined in the bottom wall 232.

Preferably, the lure head 221 includes a stabilizing fin 250 having afront fin portion 251 and a rear fin portion 252. The front fin portion251 is established to be substantially horizontal to the direction ofmovement of the lure head 221 when the lure head 221 is pulled throughthe water. The rear fin portion 252 is angled downwardly for providingstabilizing to the improved fishing lure 220 during trolling.

An action plate 254 comprises an arcuate depending plate 256 integrallysecured to the lure head 221 and extending from the bottom surface 234generally parallel to the front surface 235. A support 258 is secured tothe lure head 221 and extends from the bottom surface 234 generallyperpendicularly to the arcuate depending plate 256. The support 258 issecured to the arcuate depending plate 256 to add mechanical strengththereto. The action plate 256 causes a jumping action to the lure head221 when the enhanced fishing lure 220 is retrieved by a fisherman. Inaddition, the action plate 256 provides an enhanced acoustical output ofthe enhanced fishing lure 220. The support 258 enables the enhancedfishing lure 220 to be skipped over weed beads.

FIGS. 32-36 illustrate various views of the lure insert 222 of FIG. 25.The lure insert 222 comprises a partially pyramidal shaped insertportion 260 having a first and a second insert sidewall 261 and 262 anda top insert wall 263 and a bottom insert wall 264. The first and secondinsert sidewall 262 and the top and bottom insert walls 263 and 264 areestablished at an angle for closely engaging the first and second headinterior surfaces 231A and 232A and the top and bottom interior surfaces233A and 234A, respectively, of the lure head 221 when the lure insert222 is fully disposed within the insert cavity 236.

The top insert wall 263 includes an insert slot 270 extending from afront insert wall 265 of the lure insert 222 to an insert relief 278defined in the top wall 263. A plurality of depressions including afirst, second and a third depression 271-273 are intermittently definedin the top insert wall 263 with a first separating wall 274 interposedbetween the first and the second depressions 271 and 272 and with asecond separating wall 276 interposed between the second and the thirddepressions 272 and 273. The first, second and the third depressions271-273 and the first and second separating walls 274 and 276 comprise arestraining means for restraining the movement of a leader relative tothe enhanced fishing lure 220 as will be described in greater detailhereinafter.

The bottom insert wall 264 comprises a second panel 280 having agenerally V-shaped projection 282 for matingly engaging with theV-shaped cut-out 248 of the bottom head wall 234 when the lure insert222 is disposed within the lure head 221. A first and a second lockingpin 290A and 290B have proximal ends 291A and 291B thereof secured tothe second panel 280. A first and a second distal end 292A and 292B ofthe first and second locking pins 290A and 290B include locking portions294A and 294B having a reduced diameter for insertion within the firstand second locking apertures 242A and 242B of the first panel 240 whenthe lure insert 222 is disposed within the lure head 221.

Preferably, the lure head 221 and the lure insert 222 are each formed asa unitary member of a molded polymeric material. The first and secondpanels 240 and 280 are slightly flexible and resilient for enabling thelocking portions 294A and 294B to be inserted and removed from thelocking apertures 242A and 242B by deflecting either the first and/orthe second panels 240 and 280.

FIG. 37 is a side view of the lure head 221 and the lure insert 222being in an unassembled position. FIG. 38 is a top view of FIG. 37illustrating the relative positions of the first and second panels 240and 280 and the locking pins 290A and 290B.

FIG. 39 is a side view similar to FIG. 37 illustrating the lure insert222 being partially disposed within the internal cavity of the lure head221. FIG. 40 is a top view of FIG. 39. The insert portion 260 of thelure insert 222 is slidably received within the insert cavity 236 of thelure head 221.

FIG. 41 is a side view similar to FIG. 37 illustrating the completeinsertion of the lure insert 222 within the lure head 221 and with thelock portion of the locking pins 290A and 290B being received within thelocking apertures 242A and 242B of the first panel 240. FIG. 43 is a topview of FIG. 41. Engagement of the locking portions 294A and 294B withinthe locking apertures 242A and 242B of the first panel 240 interlocksthe lure insert 222 within the lure head 221. It should be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that the insertion of the locking portions294A and 294B within the locking apertures 242A and 242B of the firstpanel 240 has been accomplished by either an upward deflection of thefirst panel 240 and/or a downward deflection of the second panel 280 inFIG. 39. The first panel 240 and/or second panel 280 is made of aresilient material for enabling the upward deflection of the first panel240 and/or a downward deflection of the second panel 280.

FIG. 42 is a sectional view illustrating the complete insertion of thelure insert 222 within the lure head 221 and with the lock portion ofthe locking pins 290A and 290B being received within the lockingapertures 242A and 242B of the first panel 240. The relative position ofthe top surface 263 of the lure insert 222 relative to the top interiorsurface 233A encloses the first, second and third depressions 271-273.The enclosure of the first, second and third depressions 271-273 entrapsbeads 302 of a beaded leader 300 as will be described with reference toFIGS. 44-47. The entrapped beads 302 of the beaded leader 300 within thefirst, second and third depressions 271-273 restrain and restrict themovement of said bead leader 300 relative to said slot 270 and the lureinsert 222.

FIG. 44 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the enhancedfishing lure 220 with an artificial bait 10A secured thereto. The beadleader 300 is of conventional design having a plurality of beads 302interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting wires 304 for attachingto a fishing hook 14. The fishing hook 14 may be freely positionedadjacent the artificial bait 10A. In the alternative, the fishing hook14 may be partially or totally positioned within the artificial bait 10Aas should be well known to those skilled in the art.

The locking pins 290A and 290B are inserted through or impaled throughan aperture 310 in the artificial bait 10A to extend therefrom. Thelocking portions 294A and 294B are smaller in diameter than the lockingpins 290A and 290B and approximates a point for the locking pin 290A and290B to facilitate the inserting or impaling of the locking pins 290Aand 290B through the aperture 310 of the artificial bait 10A.

When the fishing hook is properly positioned relative to the artificialbait 10A, the beaded leader 300 is passed between the locking pins 290Aand 290B. Selected beads 302 of the bead leader 300 are inserted intothe first, second and third depressions 271-273. The interconnectingwires 304 extend through the first and second separating walls 274 and276 to attach the bead leader 300 relative to the lure insert 222. Thefirst and second separating walls 274 and 276 insure that the positionof the bead leader 300 is fixed relative to the lure insert 222. Inaddition, the proper selection of the beads 302 inserted into the first,second and third depressions 271-273 enables the proper positioning ofthe fishing hook 14 relative to the lure insert 222 and relative to theartificial bait 10A. The locking pins 290A and 290B assist inpositioning the fishing hook 14 relative to the enhanced fishing lure220.

When the lure insert 222 is moved into the insert cavity 236, the topinsert wall 263 of the of the insert 222 engages the top head interiorwall 233A of the lure head to retain the selected beads 302 of the beadleader 300 within the first, second and third depressions 271-273. Thefirst panel 240 is deflected upwardly by an operator for enabling thelocking portions 294A and 295B of the locking pins 290A and 290B to bealigned with the locking apertures 242A and 242B. In the alternative,the second panel 280 may be deflected downwardly by an operator forenabling the locking portions 294A and 295B of the locking pins 290A and290B to be aligned with the locking apertures 242A and 242B. Uponrelease of the deflection of the first panel 240 and or second panel 280by the operator, the first panel 240 and/or second panel 280 returns toa non-deflected position to receive the locking portions 294A and 290Bwithin the locking apertures 242A and 242B as shown in FIG. 45. Thelocking portions 294A and 294B disposed within the locking apertures242A and 242B prevents the removal of the lure insert 222 from the lurehead 221. The artificial bait 10A is retained between the first andsecond panels 240 and 280.

FIG. 46 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the enhancedfishing lure 220 with an artificial bait 10A secured thereto. In thisexample, the bead leader 300 includes a conventional snap latch 312 forattaching the fishing hook 14 to the beaded leader 300. The snap 312 islocated within the insert relief 278 of the lure insert 222. The shank314 of the fishing hook 14 may be disposed between the locking pins 290Aand 290B to assist in positioning the fishing hook 14 relative to theenhanced fishing lure 220.

When the fishing hook is properly positioned relative to the artificialbait 10A, the selected beads 302 of the bead leader 300 are insertedinto the first, second and third depressions 271-273. When the lureinsert 222 is moved into the insert cavity 236, the locking portions294A and 294B are disposed within the locking apertures 242A and 242Bprevents the removal of the lure insert 222 from the lure head 221 asshown in FIG. 47. The shank 314 of the hook 14 extending between thelocking pins 290A and 290B inhibits the movement of the hook 14 andproperly positions the fishing hook 14 relative to the artificial bait10A.

The present invention provides an improved fishing lure for attaching abait to a fishing line that overcomes the difficulties encountered bythe prior art. The improved fishing lure may be used with natural baitwith the locking pin extending through the eye sockets of a bait fish ormay be used with artificial bait with the locking pin extending througha hole in the artificial bait.

The enhanced fishing lure permits the rapid addition of bait or therapid removal of artificial bait from the fishing lure and permits theadjustment of the position of the hook relative to the bait. Stabilizingfins may be utilized for stabilizing the movement of the fishing lurethrough the water without undesirable spinning. The action plate causesa jumping action to the lure head when the enhanced fishing lure isretrieved by a fisherman and provides an enhanced acoustical output. Thesupport enables the enhanced fishing lure to be skipped over weed beads.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims aswell as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention hasbeen described in its preferred form with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of thepreferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction and the combination andarrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An enhanced fishing lure for attaching a bait toa fishing line, comprising in combination:a lure head having a frontaperture for enabling the fishing line to extend therethrough; said lurehead having an insert cavity communicating with said front aperture; alure insert comprising an insert portion; a first and a second panelextending from said lure head and said lure insert; a first and a secondlocking pin means secured to one of said first and second panels forcooperating with locking aperture means defined in the other of saidfirst and second panels; restraining means secured to said lure insertfor restraining the movement of the fishing line relative thereto; saidfirst and second locking pin means extending through the bait forrestraining the movement of the bait relative thereto; and said lureinsert being insertable within said insert cavity of said lure head withthe fishing line extending between said first and second locking pinmeans and through said front aperture of said lure head and with saidlocking aperture means cooperating with said first and second lockingpin means for interlocking said lure insert to said lure head.
 2. Anenhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first andsecond locking pin means extend through the bait and being partiallyreceived within said locking aperture means for restraining the movementof the bait relative thereto; andat least one of said first and secondpanels being resilient for enabling the introduction and removal of saidfirst and second locking pin means within said locking aperture means topermit the addition and removal of the bait from the fishing lure.
 3. Anenhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said insertcavity is defined for slidably receiving said insert portion of saidlure insert therein.
 4. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim1, wherein said first panel extends from a first side surface of saidlure head; andsaid second panel being aligned with a second side surfaceof said lure head.
 5. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 1,wherein said first panel extends from one of said top and bottom of saidlure head; andsaid second panel being aligned with the other said topand bottom of said lure head.
 6. An enhanced fishing lure as set forthin claim 1, including at least one of said lure head and said lureinsert defining a relief for receiving a head portion of the bait.
 7. Anenhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 1, including at least one ofsaid lure head and said lure insert defining a relief for receiving asnap for affixing a fishing hook to the fishing line.
 8. An enhancedfishing lure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said restraining meanscomprises means for adjusting the position of a hook disposed at atermination end of the fishing line relative to the bait.
 9. An enhancedfishing lure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said restraining meansincludes a slot extending through said lure insert for enabling thefishing line to extend therethrough; andmeans for restricting themovement of the fishing line relative to said slot.
 10. An enhancedfishing lure as set forth in claim 1, wherein the fishing line includesa bead leader comprising a plurality of beads interconnected by aplurality of interconnecting wires;said restraining means includes aslot extending through said lure insert for enabling the interconnectingwires to extend therethrough; and a plurality of depressions defined insaid lure insert along said slot for receiving said plurality of beadstherein to restrict the movement of said bead leader relative to saidslot.
 11. An enhanced fishing lure for attaching a bait to a fishingline, comprising in combination:a lure head having a front aperture forenabling the fishing line to extend therethrough; said lure head havingan insert cavity communicating with said front aperture; said lure headhaving a first panel extending rearwardly of said lure head with saidfirst panel defining locking aperture means; a lure insert comprising aninsert portion and a second panel extending rearwardly of said insertportion with said second panel supporting a first and a second lockingpin means; restraining means secured to said lure insert for restrainingthe movement of the fishing line relative thereto; said first and secondlocking pin means extending through the bait for restraining themovement of the bait relative thereto; and said lure insert beinginsertable within said insert cavity of said lure head with the fishingline extending between said first and second locking pin means andthrough said front aperture of said lure head and with said lockingaperture means of said first panel cooperating with said first andsecond locking pin means of said second panel for interlocking said lureinsert to said lure head and for retaining the bait between said firstand second panels.
 12. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim11, including fin means extending from said lure head for stabilizingthe movement of the fish lure through the water.
 13. An enhanced fishinglure as set forth in claim 11, wherein said lure head comprises atapered front portion disposed about said front aperture forfacilitating the movement of the fishing lure through the water.
 14. Anenhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 11, wherein said insertcavity is defined for slidably receiving said insert portion of saidlure insert therein.
 15. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim11, wherein said first panel extends from a first side surface of saidlure head; andsaid second panel being aligned with a second side surfaceof said lure head.
 16. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim11, wherein said first panel extends from one of said top and bottom ofsaid lure head; andsaid second panel being aligned with the other saidtop and bottom of said lure head.
 17. An enhanced fishing lure as setforth in claim 11, including at least one of said lure head and saidlure insert defining a relief for receiving a head portion of the bait.18. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 11, including atleast one of said lure head and said lure insert defining a relief forreceiving a snap for affixing a fishing hook to the fishing line.
 19. Anenhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 11, wherein said restrainingmeans comprises means for adjusting the position of a hook disposed at atermination end of the fishing line relative to the bait.
 20. Anenhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 11, wherein said restrainingmeans includes a slot extending through said lure insert for enablingthe fishing line to extend therethrough; andmeans for restricting themovement of the fishing line relative to said slot.
 21. An enhancedfishing lure as set forth in claim 11, wherein the fishing line includesa bead leader comprising a plurality of beads interconnected by aplurality of interconnecting wires;said restraining means includes aslot extending through said lure insert for enabling the interconnectingwires to extend therethrough; and a plurality of depressions defined insaid lure insert along said slot for receiving said plurality of beadstherein to restrict the movement of said bead leader relative to saidslot.
 22. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 11, whereinsaid first panel extends from a first side surface of said lurehead;said second panel being aligned with a second side surface of saidlure head; and said first and second locking pin means extending fromsaid second panel through the bait and being partially received withinsaid locking aperture means for restraining the movement of the baitrelative thereto.
 23. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 11,wherein said first panel extends from a one of the top and bottom wallsof said lure head;said second panel being aligned with the other of thetop and bottom walls of said lure head; and said first and secondlocking pin means extending from said second panel through the bait andbeing partially received within said locking aperture means forrestraining the movement of the bait relative thereto.
 24. An enhancedfishing lure as set forth in claim 11, wherein said first panel extendsfrom a first side surface of said lure head;said second panel beingaligned with a second side surface of said lure head; and said first andsecond locking pin means extending from said second panel through an eyesocket of a natural bait and being partially received within saidlocking aperture means for restraining the movement of the bait relativethereto.
 25. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 11, whereinsaid first panel extends from a one of the top and bottom wall of saidlure head;said second panel being aligned with the other of said top andbottom walls of said lure head; and said first and second locking pinmeans extending from said second panel through an orifice of anartificial bait and being partially received within said lockingaperture means for restraining the movement of the bait relativethereto.
 26. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 11, whereinsaid first panel extends from a first side surface of said lurehead;said second panel being aligned with a second side surface of saidlure head; and said first and second locking pin means extending fromsaid second panel through an orifice in an artificial bait and beingpartially received within said locking aperture means for restrainingthe movement of the bait relative thereto.
 27. An enhanced fishing lureas set forth in claim 11, wherein said first panel extends from a firstside surface of said lure head;said second panel being aligned with asecond side surface of said lure head; said first and second locking pinmeans extending from said second panel through the bait and beingpartially received within said locking aperture means for restrainingthe movement of the bait relative thereto; and said first and secondpanels being resilient for enabling the introduction and removal of saidfirst and second locking pin means within said locking aperture means topermit the addition and removal of the bait from the fishing lure. 28.An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 11, including an actionplate extending from the lure head for enabling the fishing lure to beskipped over weed beads.